Its lightweight front seats formed using an injection moulded sheet in the shells, which reduces their weight by 45% compared with a conventional seat might be some of the lightest on show at Geneva, but it's under the bonnet that counts with GM Europe's new hot hatch – the Astra VXR.

Its most potent version yet packs 276 bhp and 295 lb.-ft. from its 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection engine, enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155 mph; sufficient to trounce its rivals from the likes of Ford, VW and Renault.

While the Astra VXR is based on the new GTC, it has benefited from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. Setting it apart from all other current Astras is a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential between the front wheels. In conjunction with the GTC's sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), the LSD provides the Astra VXR with exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.

If this is anything near as good as the Corsa VXR Nuburgring that I drove recently, then this is going to be a stonking good car and there's no reason why it shouldn't be, as much of the chassis sign-off was done at the Northern Loop (Nordschleife) of the Nürburgring, overseen by Le Mans 24-hour race winner, "Smokin' Jo" Winkelhock. "We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced and enthusiastic drivers – and not just on the Nürburgring" said Winkelhock.

Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Vauxhall's fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.

Those seats also bring the driver and front passenger nearer to the Astra VXR's center of gravity, as the new seats are mounted 0.6 in. lower than in the Astra GTC, and 1.5 in. lower than in the Astra Hatch. In addition, the new seats can be adjusted up to 18 ways, depending upon specification.

Pneumatically adjustable cushions in the seats' flanks add further levels of adjustability at the push of a button, and provide `tailor-made' seating comfort and security normally reserved for race drivers.

The VXR's seats are the first in its class to be certified by AGR (Action for Healthy Backs), an independent German organization comprising leading doctors and therapists. Before they gained approval, the seats had to meet a list of ten criteria, including checks for lordosis support, and that the seatback contours adapt precisely to the natural curvature of the spine.